4 speed noise

also, anyone know will a '75 OD 4 speed trans direct fit in its place?

Yes it will, but you will also need the BH, and the inboard Z-bar pivot.

But be advised, the ratio spread is pretty large on the od unit.
Your standard for 1969 ratios are
-- 2.66--1.92--1.40--1.00 , with splits of ~.725; compared to
3.09--------1.67------1.00--.73od for the od unit; and splits of
.54-.60-.73.. It takes a torquey engine to pull those splits.